Tag Archives: alumni

It’s the season to graduate! And to celebrate QUT library is showing off the spectacular Registrar’s mace on Level 4, V Block, Gardens Point campus.

The QUT mace was designed and built by Mr Alan Place, a former part time lecturer in fine arts.

It has three sections, each symbolising the different levels of tertiary education:

The knob at the base represents the bachelor’s degree, the start of a professional career.

The handpiece in the middle represents the master’s degree.

The flame-shaped head, symbolising the torch of learning, represents the doctorate.

The open top acknowledges that education is an ongoing process.

In the middle ages, the mace was preferred by soldier churchmen (in particular Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux, who was the half-brother of William the Conqueror) as it was a crushing instrument which did not draw blood. Over time the mace became a symbol of authority.

For those who are graduating remember that alumni membership to QUT library is free and allows you to access books and a selection of online resources.

QUT Library congratulates everyone for a wonderful and productive year and offers best wishes to those who are graduating at this time.

QUT library is joining in the celebration of our newest QUT graduates this month with a lovely display on level 5 of Kelvin Grove library.

The display features graduation booklets, a gown, and little souvenir teddy bears. If you are curious to know more about academic dress requirements check out this FAQ from the Student Guild (the tassel on your motarboard should fall to the right after graduating).

The most impressive item on display, however, is the Registrar’s mace. It is a symbol of the authority of the institution and is generally carried at the beginning of the academic procession. If you look closely you can see QUT stamped on it.

Remember, as a recent graduate you are entitled to one year’s free alumni membership to the library, just make sure you register online so we can send a card out to you.

QUT library would like to congratulate all those who have reached the end of their studies, we wish you all the best for a great ceremony and graduation day.